Kerlan Collection

Overview:
The Walter Dean Myers Bad Boy Portfolio is multi-media learning tool that uses the memoir of Walter Dean Myers to teach students about writing biographies, autobiographies and memoirs. The portfolio is appropriate for grades 6 through 12 and teachers can adjust the content accordingly for their grade level.

Teachers can download some of the supplementary material in PDF format from this web site. You can print it out or use a projector to present this material to your class. You wil need to provide a copy of Bad Boy to class members.

Note about referenced articles: Due to copyright concerns, we are unable to provide live links to most of the journal and newspaper articles listed in the Censorship Portfolio. We are attempting to get copyright clearance whenever possible. Many schools and libraries should have electronic access to the referenced articles.

Teaching Idea :

Click on concept below to be directed to the downloads for that idea.

1. Have students choose a single event their lives and write a description of it including interesting details and anecdotes.  Have student partners read the first draft and give suggestions for revision.  Have students revise the first draft and present the final draft to the class.
2. Have students choose a favorite photograph of themselves.  It may include other people.  Have the students write a description of what was going on when the photograph was taken.
3. Have students interview someone else about their life and ask for specific stories about their subject’s experiences.  Have the students write a short biography of that person, including the stories they heard in the interview.